Sea of police blue to offer final salute

Charlie Brennan, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 13, 2005 at midnight

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Downtown Denver will be flooded with blue and with tears today as police officers from across the state gather to mourn one of their own.

A funeral for slain Denver police Detective Donald Young will start inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 10:30 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. It will be followed by a procession to Fort Logan National Cemetery for burial.

Plans call for a large outdoor screen to be erected at Colfax Avenue and Logan Street so that those who aren't seated inside can still view the funeral Mass, which will be conducted by Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput.

Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Thursday that Chief Gerry Whitman will also speak, and there may be others.

Gov. Bill Owens, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, police chiefs, sheriffs, officers and deputies from across the state are expected to contribute to a crowd of about 3,000.

"I think it's a matter of pride in your fellow officer," Jackson said. "They feel they need to strongly support each other, and be there for each other and for their families.

"It's a combination of emotions. Every man goes on his own emotions. The reason why one goes, or why another goes, may vary."

A large contingent from the Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff's Department will also be in attendance.

Young, 44, had worked for the El Paso Sheriff's Department before joining the Denver force 12 years ago.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, plus members of his staff, and his predecessor, former District Attorney Bill Ritter, also are expected to be on hand.

The funeral, Jackson said, will follow "a strict Catholic protocol."

The service and procession will require numerous road closings between 9:15 a.m. and 2 p.m., Denver Detective Virginia Lopez said. The closings will include parts of Colfax Avenue, and motorists during that time are advised to use 13th and 14th Avenues instead.

All road closings should be over by about 2 p.m.

The reality of Young's loss was driven home further Thursday.

Stonemason Gary Craven etched the name "Young, II, Donald R" into the fallen officers monument - currently draped with a black sash - outside Denver Police Department headquarters downtown, as the newest entry to the list of those who have fallen in the line of duty.

As Craven worked, several dozen fellow detectives and officers stood in the morning sun, watching silently.

"There were some teary eyes when they came back inside," Whitman said.

Television coverage

Several television stations will provide live coverage of Denver police Detective Donald Young's funeral service, procession and burial today.

• CBS 4 News: Videostreaming live on www.news4colorado.com starting at 10:30 a.m., plus extensive coverage during the noon, 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.

• 7News: Live broadcast on Comcast digital channel 247, starting at 10:30 a.m. Also coverage during the 11 a.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.

• 9News: Videostreaming live on www.9news.com starting at 10:30 a.m. Sky9 will be tracking funeral procession from noon until 1 p.m., but footage will be incorporated into coverage during noon, 4 p.m., 5 p.m. 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.

• WB2: No live broadcast of services, but station will cover in 9 p.m. newscast.

• Fox31: Preview coverage on Good Day, Colorado (5:30 to 8 a.m.), limited live coverage during funeral and procession, and coverage at 9 p.m. newscast.

• KDTV-Channel 8: No live coverage, but station will show complete broadcast of funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday. No coverage of funeral procession or burial.

Brennanc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2742

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